Sponsored hybrid games

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention operate a sponsored hybrid game that includes: a gambling game; an entertainment game; a game world engine constructed to communicate gameplay gambling event occurrences based upon a player&#39;s skillful execution of the entertainment game that trigger at least one wager in the gambling game; and a sponsorship module integrated with the game world engine constructed to: receive sponsorship terms involving allocation of gameplay resources during sponsored gameplay of the sponsored hybrid game between at least one player profile and at least one sponsor profile; allocate gameplay resources associated with at least one sponsor profile to at least one player profile based on the sponsorship terms for use in sponsored gameplay; and allocate gameplay resources resulting from a payout of gameplay resources during the sponsored gameplay using the sponsorship terms.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of Patent Cooperation TreatyApplication No. PCT/US12/65937 filed on Nov. 19, 2012, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/629,437 filed onNov. 19, 2011 and is related to PCT patent application No.PCT/US11/26768, filed Mar. 1, 2011, U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/459,131, filed Dec. 6, 2010, U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/460,362, filed Dec. 31, 2010, U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/516,693, filed Apr. 6, 2011, U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/519,914, filed Jun. 1, 2011, U.S. Provisional patent applicationentitled “Enriched Table Top Game Play Environment (Single OrMulti-Player) For Casino Applications”, filed Sep. 30, 2011, U.S.Provisional patent application entitled “SKILL-LEVELING IN ENRICHED GAMEPLAY ENVIRONMENT (SINGLE AND/OR MULTI-PLAYER) FOR CASINO APPLICATIONS”,filed Oct. 17, 2011, and U.S. Provisional patent application entitled“HEAD-TO-HEAD AND TOURNAMENT PLAY FOR ENRICHED GAME PLAY ENVIRONMENT(SINGLE AND/OR MULTI-PLAYER) FOR CASINO APPLICATIONS”, filed Oct. 17,2011 the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety as if stated in full herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to gaming andmore specifically to a sponsored hybrid game that includes both anentertainment game and a gambling game with player gameplay sponsorableby a third party sponsor.

BACKGROUND

The gaming machine manufacturing industry has traditionally developedgaming machines with a gambling game. A gambling game is typically agame of chance, which is a game where the outcome of the game isgenerally dependent solely on chance (such as a slot machine). A game ofchance can be contrasted with a game of skill where the outcome of thegame may depend upon a player's skill with the game. Gambling games aretypically not as interactive and do not include graphics assophisticated as an entertainment game, which is a game of skill such asa video game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the inventionoperate a sponsored hybrid game. One embodiment includes a sponsoredhybrid game, including: a real world engine constructed to provide arandomly generated payout of gameplay resources in the form of realworld credits from at least one wager in a gambling game; anentertainment software engine constructed to execute an entertainmentgame providing outcomes upon a player's skillful execution of theentertainment game to earn a payout of gameplay resources in the form ofgame world credits, and manage a user interface of the entertainmentgame; and a game world engine constructed to manage the entertainmentsoftware engine and communicate gameplay gambling event occurrencesbased upon a player's skillful execution of the entertainment game thattrigger at least one wager in the gambling game to the gambling game;where the game world engine integrates a sponsorship module constructedto access a database containing at least one player profile and at leastone sponsor profile, and the sponsorship module is constructed to:receive sponsorship terms involving allocation of gameplay resourcesduring sponsored gameplay of the sponsored hybrid game between at leastone player profile and at least one sponsor profile; allocate gameplayresources associated with at least one sponsor profile to at least oneplayer profile based on the sponsorship terms for use in sponsoredgameplay; and allocate gameplay resources resulting from a payout ofgameplay resources during the sponsored gameplay using the sponsorshipterms.

In a further embodiment, the sponsorship module is further constructedto allocate gameplay resources resulting from a payout of gameplayresources during the sponsored gameplay by allocating at least a portionof the gameplay resources to at least one player profile based on thesponsorship terms.

In another embodiment, the sponsorship module is further constructed toallocate gameplay resources resulting from a payout of gameplayresources during the sponsored gameplay by allocating at least a portionof the gameplay resources to at least one sponsor profile based on thesponsorship terms.

In a still further embodiment, the sponsorship module is furtherconstructed to allocate gameplay resources resulting from a payout ofgameplay resources during the sponsored gameplay by allocating at leasta portion of the gameplay resources to a profile associated with anoperator that hosts the sponsored hybrid game based on the sponsorshipterms.

In still another embodiment, the sponsorship module is constructed toexecute on a sponsorship server and communicate with the game worldengine via a network.

In a yet further embodiment, the gameplay resources are selected fromthe group consisting of real world credits and game world credits.

In yet another embodiment, the gameplay resources are elements that areof limited quantity and the consumption of which during play of theentertainment game triggers a wager in a gambling game.

In a further embodiment again, the gameplay resources are elements thatare not restorable during entertainment gameplay.

In another embodiment again, sponsorship terms are generated using anon-player interface constructed to present information associated witha sponsor profile and received by the sponsorship module.

In a further additional embodiment, the sponsorship terms requireacceptance prior to commencing the sponsored gameplay by receiving anindication of the acceptance of the sponsorship terms from at least oneplayer profile and at least one sponsor profile.

Another additional embodiment includes a method of operating a sponsoredhybrid game, the method including: receiving sponsorship terms involvingallocation of gameplay resources during sponsored gameplay of thesponsored hybrid game between at least one player profile and at leastone sponsor profile using a sponsorship module that is utilized by agame world engine, where: the sponsorship module is constructed toaccess a database containing at least one player profile and at leastone sponsor profile; and the game world engine is constructed tocommunicate gameplay gambling event occurrences based upon a player'sskillful execution of an entertainment game to earn a payout of gameplayresources in the form of game world credits as detected by anentertainment software engine that triggers at least one wager in agambling game to the gambling game including a real world engineconstructed to provide at least one wager as a randomly generated payoutof gameplay resources in the form of real world credits for the gamblinggame; allocating gameplay resources associated with at least one sponsorprofile to at least one player profile based on the sponsorship termsfor use in sponsored gameplay using the sponsorship module; andallocating gameplay resources resulting from a payout of gameplayresources during the sponsored gameplay according to the sponsorshipterms using the sponsorship module.

In a still yet further embodiment, the sponsorship module is furtherconstructed to allocate gameplay resources resulting from a payout ofgameplay resources during the sponsored gameplay by allocating at leasta portion of the gameplay resources to at least one player profile basedon the sponsorship terms.

In still yet another embodiment, the sponsorship module is furtherconstructed to allocate gameplay resources resulting from a payout ofgameplay resources during the sponsored gameplay by allocating at leasta portion of the gameplay resources to at least one sponsor profilebased on the sponsorship terms.

In a still further embodiment again, the sponsorship module is furtherconstructed to allocate gameplay resources resulting from a payout ofgameplay resources during the sponsored gameplay by allocating at leasta portion of the gameplay resources to a profile associated with anoperator that hosts the sponsored hybrid game based on the sponsorshipterms.

In still another embodiment again, the sponsorship module is constructedto execute on a sponsorship server and communicate with the game worldengine via a network.

In a still further additional embodiment, the gameplay resources areselected from the group consisting of real world credits and game worldcredits.

In still another additional embodiment, the gameplay resources areelements that are of limited quantity and the consumption of whichduring play of the entertainment game triggers a wager in a gamblinggame.

In a yet further embodiment again, sponsorship terms are generated usinga non-player interface constructed to present information associatedwith a sponsor profile and received by the sponsorship module.

In yet another embodiment again, the sponsorship terms requireacceptance prior to commencing the sponsored gameplay by receiving anindication of the acceptance of the sponsorship terms from at least oneplayer profile and at least one sponsor profile.

A yet further additional embodiment includes a machine readable mediumcontaining processor instructions, where execution of the instructionsby a processor causes the processor to perform a process including:receiving sponsorship terms involving allocation of gameplay resourcesduring sponsored gameplay of a sponsored hybrid game between at leastone player profile and at least one sponsor profile using a sponsorshipmodule that is utilized by a game world engine, where: the sponsorshipmodule is constructed to access a database containing at least oneplayer profile and at least one sponsor profile; and the game worldengine is constructed to communicate gameplay gambling event occurrencesbased upon a player's skillful execution of an entertainment game toearn a payout of gameplay resources in the form of game world credits asdetected by an entertainment software engine that triggers at least onewager in a gambling game to the gambling game including a real worldengine constructed to provide at least one wager as a randomly generatedpayout of gameplay resources in the form of real world credits for thegambling game; allocating gameplay resources associated with at leastone sponsor profile to at least one player profile based on thesponsorship terms for use in sponsored gameplay using the sponsorshipmodule; and allocating gameplay resources resulting from a payout ofgameplay resources during the sponsored gameplay according to thesponsorship terms using the sponsorship module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a sponsored hybrid game in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a sponsored hybrid game with a non-player interfacein accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sponsored hybrid game with a regulatory scanningand screening audit (RSSA) module in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 4 is a system diagram that illustrates a network distributedsponsored hybrid game in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a process for storing and retrievinginformation using a database.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a process for enabling a player associatedwith a sponsored player profile to entered sponsored gameplay inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a process of allocating a payout between asponsor profile and a player profile in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a hardware architecture diagram of a processingapparatus utilized in the implementation of a sponsored hybrid game inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, systems and methods for operation of asponsored hybrid game are illustrated. In several embodiments, asponsored hybrid game is a form of a hybrid game that integrates asponsorship module with both a gambling game that includes a real worldengine (RWE) which manages the gambling game, as well as anentertainment game that includes a game world engine (GWE) which managesthe entertainment portion of a game, and an entertainment softwareengine (ESE) which executes the entertainment game for userentertainment. In certain embodiments, the sponsored hybrid game alsoincludes a user interface associated with either or both the gamblinggame and the entertainment game. In operation of a sponsored hybridgame, a player acts upon various types of elements of the entertainmentgame in a game world environment. Upon acting on some of these elements,a wager is triggered in the gambling game. In playing the entertainmentgame, using the elements, a player can consume and accrue game worldcredits (GWC) within the entertainment game. These credits can be in theform of (but are not limited to) game world objects, experience points,or points generally. Wagers are made in the gambling game using realworld credits (RWC). The real world credits can be credits in an actualcurrency, or may be credits in a virtual currency which has real worldvalue. Gambling outcomes from the gambling game may cause consumption,loss or accrual of RWC. In addition, gambling outcomes in the gamblinggame may influence elements in the entertainment game such as (but notlimited to) by restoring a consumed element, causing the loss of anelement, restoration or placement of a fixed element. Example elementsinclude enabling elements (EE) which are elements that enable a player'splay of the entertainment game and whose consumption by the player whileplaying the entertainment game may trigger a wager in a gambling game.In addition, EE may also be replenished during play within theentertainment game based on an outcome of a triggered wager. Other typesof elements include actionable elements (AE) which are elements that areacted upon to trigger a wager in the gambling game and may not berestorable during normal play of the entertainment game. Various hybridgames are discussed in Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No.PCT/US11/26768, filed Mar. 1, 2011, entitled “ENRICHED GAME PLAYENVIRONMENT (SINGLE and/or MULTI-PLAYER) FOR CASINO APPLICATIONS” andPatent Cooperation Treaty Application No. PCT/US11/63587, filed Dec. 6,2011, entitled “ENHANCED SLOT-MACHINE FOR CASINO APPLICATIONS” eachdisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In many embodiments, a sponsored hybrid game enables players to entersponsored gameplay with gameplay resources, such as but not limited toRWC, GWC, EE or AE, provided by a third party sponsor in return for thesponsor to receive an allocation of the payout of gameplay resourcesthat result from the sponsored gameplay in accordance with the terms ofthe sponsorship. Thereby, in certain embodiments, a sponsored hybridgame can enable players to enter sponsored gameplay without utilizationof the player's own resources and sponsors to reap a payout of gameplayresources without requiring gameplay participation.

In many embodiments, a sponsorship module coordinates interactionsbetween players and sponsors that enables a player associated with asponsored player profile to enter sponsored gameplay and allocatespayouts of sponsored play according to the terms of the sponsorshipaccepted by both the sponsor and the player. In numerous embodiments, asponsorship module can be implemented locally on a sponsored hybrid gamewithin the GWE, remotely on a sponsorship server accessible to asponsored hybrid game via a network or as a distributed system whereprocesses of a sponsorship module occur locally on a sponsored hybridgame and on a remote server.

In several embodiments, sponsorship terms can encompass any arrangementthat allocates gameplay resources among players and sponsorsindividually or as a group. Sponsorship terms can include (but is notlimited to) the provision of RWC, GWC, EE, AE, from one or more sponsorsto one or more players in return for an allocation of a payout of RWC,GWC, EE, AE to one or more sponsors. In certain embodiments, sponsorshipterms can include the provision of gameplay resources such as (but notlimited to) an advantageous celebrity player or an advantageous playingfield provided by a sponsor for utilization by a player during sponsoredgameplay of a sports type of entertainment game.

In several embodiments, one or more players can engage in sponsoredgameplay on a sponsored hybrid game. Sponsored gameplay can behead-to-head or multi-player as a function of the specific sponsoredhybrid game in question. Head-to-head sponsored gameplay can be playervs. machine in a single-player mode or multi-player mode, and can alsobe player vs. machine and/or other player(s) as a function of a specificsponsored hybrid game. Also, a player entering sponsored gameplay neednot be playing with or against other players that enter gameplay withgameplay resources provided by a sponsor.

In numerous embodiments, a sponsored hybrid game can be monitored by aregulatory authority or an operator to gather information concerning theactivities of the sponsored hybrid game such as but not limited tosponsored gameplay or the allocation of the payout that result fromsponsored gameplay. In several embodiments, the monitoring can beutilized to ensure the integrity of activities performed by thesponsored hybrid game or to exact a payment from players or sponsors forutilization of the sponsored hybrid game. Regulatory authorities oroperators of a sponsored hybrid game (such as but not limited to acasino that hosts sponsored hybrid games) can monitor a sponsored hybridgame by utilizing a module that monitors sponsored hybrid game activitysuch as but not limited to a regulatory scanning and screening audit(RSSA) module, anti-sandbagging module, anti-cheating module or anymodule that implements processes to monitor a sponsored hybrid game forunauthorized activities. Various configurations of regulatory scanningand screening audit (RSSA) modules interfaced with hybrid games arediscussed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/519,914, filedJun. 1, 2011, and Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No.PCT/US12/40548, filed Jun. 1, 2012, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORREGULATED HYBRID GAMING” each disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety. Additionally, numerous systems and methodscapable of monitoring a sponsored hybrid game are discussed in U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/627,737 and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/627,769, Patent Cooperation Treaty ApplicationNo. PCT/US12/60685, filed Oct. 17, 2012, entitled “SKILL NORMALIZEDHYBRID GAME” and Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No.PCT/US12/60679, filed Oct. 27, 2012, entitled “ANTI-SANDBAGGING INHEAD-TO-HEAD GAMING FOR ENRICHED GAME PLAY ENVIRONMENT” each disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Sponsored hybrid games in accordance with embodiments of the inventionare discussed below.

Sponsored Hybrid Games

In many embodiments, a sponsored hybrid game integrates high levels ofentertainment content with a game of skill (entertainment game), agambling experience with a game of chance (gambling game). A sponsoredhybrid game provides for random outcomes independent of player skillwhile providing that the user's gaming experience (as measured byobstacles/challenges encountered, time of play and other factors) isshaped by the player's skill. A sponsored hybrid game in accordance withan embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The sponsoredhybrid game 128 includes a RWE 102, GWE 112, ESE 120, gambling game userinterface 122 and entertainment game user interface 124. The two userinterfaces may be part of the same user interface but are separate inthe illustrated embodiment. The RWE 102 is connected with the GWE 112and the gambling game user interface 122. The ESE 120 is connected withthe GWE 112 and the entertainment game user interface 124. The GWE 112is connected also with the entertainment game user interface 124.

In several embodiments, the RWE 102 is the operating system for thegambling game of the skill calibrated hybrid game 128 and controls andoperates the gambling game. The operation of a gambling game is enabledby RWC, such as money or other real world funds. A gambling game canincrease or decreases an amount of RWC based on random gamblingoutcomes, where the gambling proposition of a gambling game is typicallyregulated by gaming control bodies. In many embodiments, the RWEincludes a RW operating system (OS) 104, random number generator (RNG)106, level “n” real-world credit pay tables (Table Ln-RWC) 108, RWCmeters 110 and other software constructs that enable a game of chance tooffer a fair and transparent gambling proposition, and to contain theauditable systems and functions that can enable the game to obtaingaming regulatory body approval.

A random number generator (RNG) 106 includes software and/or hardwarealgorithms and/or processes, which are used to generate random outcomes.A level “n” real-world credit pay table (Table Ln-RWC) 108 is a tablethat can be used in conjunction with a random number generator (RNG) 106to dictate the real world credits (RWC) earned as a function ofsponsored gameplay and is analogous to the pay tables used in aconventional slot machine. Table Ln-RWC payouts are independent ofplayer skill. There may be one or a plurality of Table Ln-RWC pay tables108 contained in a gambling game, the selection of which may bedetermined by factors including (but not limited to) game progress aplayer has earned, and/or bonus rounds which a player may be eligiblefor. Real world credits (RWC) are credits analogous to slot machine gamecredits, which are entered into a gambling game by the user, either inthe form of money such as hard currency or electronic funds. RWCs can bedecremented or augmented based on the outcome of a random numbergenerator according to the Table Ln-RWC real world credits pay table108, independent of player skill. In certain embodiments, an amount ofRWC can be required to enter higher ESE game levels. RWC can be carriedforward to higher game levels or paid out if a cash out is opted for bya player. The amount of RWC required to enter a specific level of thegame “level n” need not be the same for each level.

In many embodiments, the GWE 112 manages the overall sponsored hybridgame operation, with the RWE 102 and the ESE 120 effectively beingsupport units to the GWE 112. In several embodiments, the GWE 112contains mechanical, electronic and software system for an entertainmentgame. The GWE 112 includes a GW game operating system (OS) 114 thatprovides control of the entertainment game. The GWE additionallycontains a level “n” game world credit pay table (Table Ln-GWC) 116 fromwhere to take input from this table to affect the play of theentertainment game. The GWE 112 can further couple to the RWE 102 todetermine the amount of RWC available on the game and other metrics ofwagering on the gambling game (and potentially affect the amount of RWCin play on the RWE). The GWE additionally contains various audit logsand activity meters (such as the GWC meter) 118. The GWE 112 can alsocouple to a centralized server for exchanging various data related tothe player and their activities on the game. The GWE 112 furthermorecouples to the ESE 120. The GWE can also be used to implement asponsorship module constructed to coordinate activities between sponsorsand players.

In many embodiments, a level “n” game world credit pay table (TableLn-GWC) 116 dictates the GWC earned as a function of player skill in thenth level of the game. The payouts governed by this table are dependentupon player skill and sponsored gameplay at large and may or may not becoupled to a random number generator. In several embodiments, game worldcredits (GWC) are player points earned or depleted as a function ofplayer skill, i.e. as a function of player performance in the context ofthe game. GWC is analogous to the “score” in a typical video game. Eachentertainment game has one or more scoring criterion, embedded withinthe Table Ln-GWC 116 that reflects player performance against thegoal(s) of the game. GWC can be carried forward from one level ofsponsored gameplay to another, and ultimately paid out in variousmanners such as directly in cash, or indirectly such as earning entranceinto a sweepstakes drawing, or earning participation in, or victory in,a tournament with prizes. GWC may be stored on a player tracking card orin a network-based player tracking system, where the GWC is attributedto a specific player.

In certain embodiments, the operation of the GWE does not affect theRWE's gambling operation except for player choice parameters that areallowable in slot machines today including but not limited to the wageramount, how fast the player wants to play (by pressing a button orpulling the slot's handle) and/or agreement to wager into a bonus round.In this sense, the RWE 102 provides a fair and transparent, non-skillbased gambling proposition co-processor to the GWE 112. In theillustrated embodiment, the communication link shown between the GWE 112and the RWE 102 allows the GWE 112 to obtain information from the RWE102 as to the amount of RWC available in the gambling game. Thecommunication link can also convey a necessary status operation of theRWE (such as on-line or tilt). The communication link can furthercommunicate the various gambling control factors which the RWE 102 usesas input, such as the number of RWC consumed per game or the player'selection to enter a jackpot round. In FIG. 1, the GWE 112 is also shownas connecting to the players user interface directly, as this may benecessary to communicate certain entertainment game club points, playerstatus, control the selection of choices and messages which a player mayfind useful in order to adjust their entertainment game experience orunderstand their gambling status in the RWE 102.

In various embodiments, the ESE 120 manages and controls the visual,audio, and player control for the entertainment game. In certainembodiments, the ESE 120 accepts input from a player through a set ofhand controls, and/or head, gesture, and/or eye tracking systems andoutputs video, audio and/or other sensory output to a user interface. Inmany embodiments, the ESE 120 can exchange data with and accept controlinformation from the GWE 112. In several embodiments an ESE 120 can beimplemented using a personal computer (PC), a Sony PlayStation® (a videogame console developed by Sony Computer Entertainment of Tokyo Japan),or Microsoft Xbox® (a video game console developed by MicrosoftCorporation of Redmond, Wash.) running a specific entertainment gamesoftware program. In numerous embodiments, an ESE can be anelectromechanical game system of a sponsored hybrid game that is anelectromechanical hybrid game. An electromechanical hybrid game executesan electromechanical game for player entertainment. Theelectromechanical game can be any game that utilizes both mechanical andelectrical components, where the game operates as a combination ofmechanical motions performed by at least one player or theelectromechanical game itself. Various electromechanical hybrid gamesare discussed in Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No.PCT/US12/58156, filed Sep. 29, 2012, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

The ESE 120 operates mostly independently from the GWE 112, except thatvia the interface, the GWE 112 may send certain GW game controlparameters and elements to the ESE 120 to affect its play, such as (butnot limited to) what level of character to be using, changing thedifficulty level of the game, changing the type of gun or car in use,and/or requesting potions to become available or to be found by thecharacter. These game control parameters and elements may be based on agambling outcome of a gambling game that was triggered by an element inthe entertainment game being acted upon by the player. The ESE 120 canaccept this input from the GWE 112, make adjustments, and continue theplay action all the while running seamlessly from the player'sperspective. The ESE's operation is mostly skill based, except for wherethe ESE's processes may inject complexities into the game by chance inits normal operation to create unpredictability in the entertainmentgame. Utilizing this interface, the ESE 120 may also communicate playerchoices made in the game to the GWE 112, such as but not limited toselection of a different gun, and/or the player picking up a specialpotion in the GW environment. The GWE's job in this architecture, beinginterfaced thusly to the ESE 120, is to allow the transparent couplingof entertainment software to a fair and transparent random chancegambling game, providing a seamless perspective to the player that theyare playing a typical popular entertainment game (which is skill based).In certain embodiments, the ESE 120 can be used to enable a wide rangeof games including but not limited to popular titles from arcade andhome video games, such as but not limited to Gears of War (a thirdperson shooter game developed by Epic Games of Cary, N.C.), Time Crisis(a shooter arcade game developed by Namco Ltd of Tokyo, Japan), orMadden Football (an American football video game developed by EA Tiburonof Maitland, Fla.). Providers of such software can provide thepreviously described interface by which the GWE 120 can requestamendments to the operation of the ESE software in order to provideseamless and sensible operation as both a gambling game and anentertainment game.

In several embodiments, the RWE 102 can accept a trigger to run agambling game in response to actions taken by the player in theentertainment game as conveyed by the ESE 120 to the GWE 112, or astriggered by the GWE 112 based on its algorithms, background to theoverall game from the player's perspective, but can provide informationto the GWE 112 to expose the player to certain aspects of the gamblinggame, such as (but not limited to) odds, amount of RWC in play, andamount of RWC available. The RWE 102 can accept modifications in theamount of RWC wagered on each individual gambling try, or the number ofgames per minute the RWE 102 can execute, entrance into a bonus round,and other factors, all the while these factors can take a different formthan that of a typical slot machine. An example of a varying wageramount that the player can choose might be that they have decided toplay with a more powerful character in the game, a more powerful gun, ora better car. These choices can increase or decrease the amount wageredper individual gambling game, in the same manner that a standard slotmachine player may decide to wager more or less credits for each pull ofthe handle. In several embodiments, the RWE 102 can communicate a numberof factors back and forth to the GWE 112, via an interface, suchincrease/decrease in wager being a function of the player's decisionmaking as to their operational profile in the entertainment game (suchas but not limited to the power of the character, gun selection or carchoice). In this manner, the player is always in control of the per gamewager amount, with the choice mapping to some parameter or componentthat is applicable to the entertainment game experience of the hybridgame. In a particular embodiment, the RWE 102 operation can be a game ofchance as a gambling game running every 10 seconds where the amountwagered is communicated from the GWE 112 as a function of choices theplayer makes in the operation profile in the entertainment game such asthose cited above.

In many embodiments, a sponsored hybrid game integrates a video gamestyle gambling machine, where the gambling game (i.e. RWE 102 and RWC)is not player skill based, while at the same time allows players to usetheir skills to earn club points which a casino operator can translateto rewards, tournament opportunities and prizes for the players. Theactual exchange of monetary funds earned or lost directly from gamblingagainst a game of chance in a gambling game, such as a slot machine, ispreserved. At the same time a rich environment of rewards to stimulate“garners” can be established with the entertainment game. In severalembodiments, the sponsored hybrid game can leverage very popular titleswith “gamers” and provides a sea change environment for casinos toattract players with games that are more akin to the type ofentertainment which a younger generation desires. In variousembodiments, players can use their skill towards building and bankingGWC which in turn can be used to win tournaments and various prizes as afunction of their “gamer” prowess. Numerous embodiments minimize theunderlying changes needed to the aforementioned entertainment softwarefor the hybrid game to operate within an entertainment game construct,thus making a plethora of complex game titles and environments, rapidand inexpensive to deploy in a gambling environment.

In certain embodiments, sponsored hybrid games also allow players togain entry into subsequent competitions through the accumulation of gameworld credits (GWC) that accrue as a function of the users demonstratedskill at the game. These competitions can pit individual players orgroups of players against one another and/or against the casino to winprizes based upon a combination of chance and skill. These competitionsmay be either asynchronous events, whereby players participate at a timeand/or place of their choosing, or they may be synchronized events,whereby players participate at a specific time and/or venue.

In many embodiments, one or more players engage in playing anentertainment game, resident in the ESE, the outcomes of which aredependent at least in part on skill. The sponsored hybrid game caninclude an entertainment game that includes head-to-head play between asingle player and the computer, between two or more players against oneanother, or multiple players playing against the computer and/or eachother, as well as the process by which players bet on the outcome of theentertainment game. The entertainment game can also be a game where theplayer is not playing against the computer or any other player, such asin games where the player is effectively playing against himself orherself (such as but not limited to Solitaire and Babette).

In many embodiments, if an entertainment game includes a version ofMadden Football™ a player can bet on whether or not the player is goingto beat the computer, or if the player is playing against anotherplayer, that other player. These bets can be made, for example, on thefinal outcome of the game, and/or the state of the game along variousintermediary points (such as but not limited to the score at the end ofthe 1st quarter) and/or on various measures associated with the game(such as but not limited to the total offensive yards, number ofturnovers, or number of sacks). Players can bet against one another, orengage the computer in a head-to-head competition in the context oftheir skill level in the entertainment game in question. As such,players can have a handicap associated with their player profile thatdescribes their skill (which can be their “professed skill” in certainembodiments), and which is used by a GWE (such as a local GWE or a GWEthat receives services from remote servers) to offer appropriate betsaround the final and/or intermediate outcomes of the entertainment game,and/or to condition sponsored gameplay as a function of player skill,and/or to select players across one or more sponsored hybrid games toparticipate in head to head games and/or tournaments.

Many embodiments enable the maximization of the number of players ableto compete competitively by utilizing a skill normalization module.Handicapping enables players of varying performance potential to competecompetitively regardless of absolute skill level, such as but notlimited to where a player whose skill level identifies the player as abeginner can compete in head-to-head or tournament play against a highlyskilled player with meaningful results.

In several embodiments, wagers can be made among numerous sponsoredhybrid games with a global betting manager (GBM). The GBM is a systemthat coordinates wagers that are made across multiple sponsored hybridgames by multiple players. In some implementations it can also supportwagers by third parties relative to the in game performance of otherplayers. The GBM can stand alone, or is capable of being embedded in oneof a number of systems, including a GWE, ESE or any remote servercapable of providing services to a sponsored hybrid game, or can operateindependently on one or a number of servers on-site at a casino, as partof a larger network and/or the internet or “cloud” in general. The GBMalso supports the management of lottery tickets issued as a function ofsponsored gameplay.

In many embodiments, third parties that are not playing a hybrid gamecan sponsor, wager and/or view play of a sponsored hybrid game. Thesethird parties can include but are not limited to sponsors of hybridgameplay. A third party sponsor can sponsor any aspect of sponsoredgameplay, including but not limited to sponsoring specific players, playamongst particular players, sponsored gameplay sessions, or a sponsoredhybrid games themselves. A GWE may relay information to a non-playerinterface for third parties to gather information concerningentertainment game play. In embodiments where the entertainment game isa fighting game, third parties may want to witness the movements of thegame characters rather than simply the outcome of a fight. Therefore,the GWE can transmit information not only to the entertainment game userinterface, but also to a non-player interface.

In various embodiments, a third party can see only select informationabout the gameplay and players on a non-player interface. Thisinformation can include (but is not limited to) EE values, GWC, RWwagers, sponsorship terms, information derived from sponsorable playerprofiles or any other information that can be transmitted to the GW userinterface. For instance, the entertainment gameplay information may bevisible to third parties on a non-player interface, but not informationconcerning the wagers a player is making in a gambling game of thesponsored hybrid game. Alternatively, in a shooter game, the thirdparties may be able to see how much health each player has remaining,but has no information about how much ammunition each player has.

In a number of embodiments, a non-player interface can includeinformation that is not directly related to the entertainment game playof a particular sponsored hybrid game. This information can include, butis not limited to, the number of players betting on the entertainmentgame play, side-bets available, or leader-boards. Information availableto a non-player interface may or may not be also visible in anentertainment game user interface.

In numerous embodiments, sponsors can interact with a sponsored hybridgame by utilizing the non-player interface. The non-player interface cancommunicate information generated by the sponsor at the non-playerinterface to a sponsorship module that coordinates activities of asponsored hybrid game. The non-player interface can also communicate anyinformation relevant to sponsored gameplay to a sponsor that utilizesthe non-player interface such as but not limited to players that can besponsored, sponsorship terms, acceptance of sponsorship terms, andinformation related to the allocation of a payout resulting fromsponsored gameplay. In certain embodiments, sponsors can access anyinformation useful to a sponsor to make sponsorship decisions on anon-player interface, such as (but not limited to) player ratings,player gameplay history, and/or player rankings from sponsorable playerprofiles.

A sponsored hybrid game utilizing a non-player interface is illustratedin FIG. 2. The non-player interface 202 communicates with the GWE 204 ofa sponsored hybrid game 206 to display information relating toentertainment gameplay or any other information concerning a sponsoredhybrid game through a content filter 208. The content filter candetermine what information is accessible to the non-player interface202, such as (but not limited to) whether the non-player interface 202can see the gameplay progress of all or only some of the players, orwhether the non-player interface presents certain information concerningplayer profiles in accordance with permissions set by a playerassociated with the player profile or an operator of the sponsoredhybrid game (such as but not limited to) a casino that hosts thesponsored hybrid game.

In numerous embodiments, a sponsored hybrid game can be monitored by aregulatory authority or an operator that hosts the sponsored hybridgame. This monitoring can encompass any aspect of a sponsored hybridgame, including (but not limited to) a player's transaction history witha sponsored hybrid game or a history of information related to playerprofiles. In many embodiments, monitoring of a sponsored hybrid game isaccomplished by utilizing a regulatory scanning and screening audit(RSSA) module interfaced with a sponsored hybrid game. An RSSA moduleenables regulation of a sponsored hybrid game (such as by a regulatoryauthority) by logging, detecting and defeating the use of cheats, orother unauthorized sponsored hybrid game performance. The RSSA modulecan monitor a sponsored hybrid game through tap points from which theRSSA module can collect data about the sponsored hybrid game. The tappoints can capture data from the sponsored hybrid game at any point ofoperation within the sponsored hybrid game. The RSSA module can alsocontrol the sponsored hybrid game through control signals sent from theRSSA module to the sponsored hybrid game. In several embodiments, theRSSA module is part of an RSSA system that monitors and controls severalRSSA modules. The RSSA module can also include a number of operatingmodes, such as a game supervisory mode, a game profile learning mode,operating monitor mode, audit mode and playback mode. Each operatingmode may also include a number of sub-functions such as where anoperating monitor mode includes a player profiling, keystroke scanningor game session recording sub-function. These modes enable the sponsoredhybrid game to learn a profile and to monitor the operation of thesponsored hybrid game to detect unauthorized usage of a sponsored hybridgame (such as with a cheat).

In numerous embodiments, a regulatory body or an auditor can utilize anRSSA module or RSSA system of networked RSSA modules to ascertain thefairness of the system by determining that the entertainment portion ofthe sponsored hybrid game is not being manipulated by a player throughthe unauthorized use of the sponsored hybrid game, such as (but notlimited to) through use of cheats or other methods which may have beenembedded in the entertainment game. The nature of unauthorized use, suchas cheats, is especially harmful in the context of a gamblingexperience, where cheats can be destructive to the fairness of thesystem.

A sponsored hybrid game interfaced with an RSSA module is illustrated inFIG. 3. The RSSA module 302 is connected with a sponsored hybrid game304. The connection enables an RSSA module to communicate with, monitorand/or control the sponsored hybrid game 304, such as but not limited todetecting any unauthorized activity or performance in the sponsoredhybrid game. The RSSA module 302 can directly interact with thesponsored hybrid game through the utilization of tap points connectedwith any aspect of the sponsored hybrid game including, but not limitedto the RWE 306, GWE 308 or ESE 310.

Although various components of sponsored hybrid games are discussedabove, sponsored hybrid games can be configured with any componentappropriate to the requirements of a specific application in accordancewith embodiments of the invention. Network connected sponsored hybridgames are discussed below.

Network Connected Sponsored Hybrid Games

Sponsored hybrid games in accordance with many embodiments of theinvention can operate locally while being network connected to drawservices from remote locations or to communicate with other sponsoredhybrid games. In many embodiments, operations associated with asponsored hybrid game such as (but not limited to) processes forcalculating score or RWC and GWC tracking can be performed acrossmultiple devices. These multiple devices can be implemented using asingle server or a plurality of servers such that a sponsored hybridgame is executed as a system in a virtualized space, such as (but notlimited to) where the RWE and GWE are large scale centralized servers“in the cloud” coupled to a plurality of widely distributed ESEcontrollers or clients via the Internet.

In many embodiments, an RWE server can perform certain functionalitiesof a RWE of a sponsored hybrid game. In certain embodiments, a RWEserver includes a centralized odds engine which can generate randomoutcomes (such as but not limited to win/loss outcomes) for a gamblinggame, thereby eliminating the need to have that functionality of the RWEperformed locally within the sponsored hybrid game. The RWE server canperform a number of simultaneous or pseudo-simultaneous runs in order togenerate random outcomes for a variety of odds percentages that one ormore networked sponsored hybrid games may require. In certainembodiments, an RWE of a sponsored hybrid game can send information to aRWE server including (but not limited to) Table Ln-RWC tables, maximumspeed of play for a gambling game, gambling game monetary denominationsor any promotional RWC provided by the operator of the sponsored hybridgame. In particular embodiments, a RWE server can send information to aRWE of a sponsored hybrid game including (but not limited to) RWC usedin the gambling game, player profile information or play activity and aprofile associated with a player.

In several embodiments, a GWE server can perform the functionality ofthe GWE across various sponsored hybrid games. These functionalities caninclude (but are not limited to) providing a method for monitoring highscores on select groups of games, linking groups of games in order tojoin them in head-to-head tournaments, and acting as a tournamentmanager. A sponsorship module can execute as part of a GWE server tocoordinate sponsored hybrid gameplay between sponsors and players.

In a variety of embodiments, management of player profile informationcan be performed by a GWE patron management server separate from a GWEserver. A GWE patron management server can manage player profileinformation, including (but not limited to) data concerning players'characters, players' game scores, players' RWC and GWC and managingtournament reservations. Although a GWE patron management server isdiscussed separate from a GWE server, in certain embodiments a GWEserver also performs the functions of a GWE patron management server. Incertain embodiments, a GWE of a sponsored hybrid game can sendinformation to a GW patron management server including (but not limitedto) GWC and RWC used in a game, player profile information, playactivity and profile information for players and synchronizationinformation between a gambling game and an entertainment game or otheraspects of a sponsored hybrid game. In particular embodiments, a GWpatron management server can send information to a GWE of a sponsoredhybrid game including (but not limited to) entertainment game title andtype, tournament information, Table Ln-GWC tables, special offers,character or profile setup and synchronization information between agambling game and an entertainment game or other aspects of a sponsoredhybrid game.

In numerous embodiments, an ESE server provides a host for managinghead-to-head play, operating on the network of ESEs which are connectedto the ESE server by providing an environment where players can competedirectly with one another and interact with other players. Although anESE server is discussed separate from a GWE server, in certainembodiments a GWE server also performs the functions of an ESE server.

In a number of embodiments, an RSSA server can implement an RSSA moduleto monitor and regulate sponsored hybrid game activity. The RSSA servercan implement any of the functionalities of an RSSA module including,but not limited to, monitoring a sponsored hybrid game through tappoints from which the RSSA server can collect data about the sponsoredhybrid game. The tap points can capture data from the sponsored hybridgame at any point of operation within the network connected sponsoredhybrid game. The RSSA server can also control the sponsored hybrid gamethrough control signals sent from the RSSA server to various networkdistributed parts of a network connected sponsored hybrid game. Inseveral embodiments, the RSSA server is part of an RSSA system thatmonitors and controls several RSSA servers.

In several embodiments, a sponsorship server can be connected with asponsored hybrid game and implement a sponsorship module to coordinatethe activities of a sponsored hybrid game. A sponsorship server cancoordinate interactions between players and sponsors that enable aplayer of a sponsored player profile to enter sponsored gameplay andallocate gameplay resources earned from a sponsored play payoutaccording to the terms of the sponsorship accepted by both the sponsorand the player. In numerous embodiments, a sponsorship server can bepart of a distributed system where processes of a sponsorship serveroccur across different sponsorship servers of a sponsorship serversystem.

Servers connected via a network to implement sponsored hybrid games inaccordance with many embodiments of the invention can communicate witheach other to provide services utilized within a sponsored hybrid game.In several embodiments a RWE server can communicate with a GWE server. ARWE server can communicate with a GWE server to communicate any type ofinformation as appropriate for a specific application, including (butnot limited to): configure the various simultaneous or pseudosimultaneous odds engines executing in parallel within the RWE toaccomplish the sponsored hybrid game system requirements, determinemetrics of RWE performance such as random executions run and outcomesfor tracking system performance, perform audits, provide operatorreports, and request the results of a random run win/loss result for useof function operating within the GWE (such as where automatic drawingsfor prizes are a function of ESE performance).

In several embodiments a GWE server can communicate with an ESE server.A GWE server can communicate with an ESE server to communicate any typeof information as appropriate for a specific application, including (butnot limited to): the management of an ESE server by a GWE server such asthe management of a sponsored hybrid game tournament. Typically a GWE(such as a GWE that runs within a sponsored hybrid game or on a GWEserver) is not aware of the relationship of itself to the rest of atournament since in a typical configuration the actual tournament playis managed by the ESE server. Therefore, management of a sponsoredhybrid game tournament can include (but is not limited to) tasks suchas: conducting tournaments according to system programming that can becoordinated by an operator of the sponsored hybrid game; allowing entryof a particular player into a tournament; communicating the number ofplayers in a tournament and the status of the tournament (such as butnot limited to the amount of surviving players, their status within thegame, time remaining on the tournament); communicating the status of anESE contained in a game; communicating the performance of its playerswithin the tournament; communicating the scores of the various membersin the tournament; and providing a synchronizing link to connect theGWEs in a tournament, with their respective ESE's.

In several embodiments a GWE server can communicate with a GW patronserver. A GWE server can communicate with a GW patron server tocommunicate any type of information as appropriate for a specificapplication, including (but not limited to) information for configuringtournaments according to system programming conducted by an operator ofa sponsored hybrid game, exchange of data necessary to link a player'sprofile to their ability to participate in various forms of sponsoredgameplay (such as but not limited to the difficulty of play set by theGWE server or the GWE in the game they are playing on), determining aplayer's ability to participate in a tournament as a function of aplayer's characteristics (such as but not limited to a player's gamingprowess or other metrics used for tournament screening), configuring thegame contained GWE and ESE performance to suit preferences of a playeron a particular sponsored hybrid game, as recorded in their playerprofile, determining a player's play and gambling performance for thepurposes of marketing intelligence, and logging secondary drawingawards, tournament prizes, RWC and GWC into the player's profile.

In many embodiments, the actual location of where various algorithms andfunctions are executed may be located either in the game containeddevices (RWE, GWE, ESE), on the servers (RWE server, GWE server, or ESEserver), or a combination of both. In particular embodiments, certainfunctions of a RWE server, GWE server, GW patron server or ESE servermay operate on the local RWE, GWE or ESE contained with a sponsoredhybrid game locally. In certain embodiments, a server is a server systemincluding a plurality of servers, where software may be run on one ormore physical devices. Similarly, in particular embodiments, multipleservers may be combined on a single physical device.

Sponsored hybrid games in accordance with many embodiments of theinvention can be networked with remote servers in variousconfigurations. A networked sponsored hybrid game in accordance with anembodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 4. The networkedsponsored hybrid game 412 is connected with a RWE server 402, GW patronmanagement server 404, GWE server 406, ESE server 408, sponsorshipserver 414 and an RSSA server 416 over a network 410, such as (but notlimited to) the Internet. Servers networked with a networked sponsoredhybrid game 412 can also communicate with each of the components of anetworked sponsored hybrid game and amongst the other servers incommunication with the networked sponsored hybrid game 412.

Although various networked sponsored hybrid games are discussed above,networked sponsored hybrid games can be configured in any manner asappropriate to the requirements of a specific application in accordancewith embodiments of the invention. Sponsorship modules capable ofimplementing the calibration of sponsored hybrid games are discussedbelow.

Sponsorship Modules

A sponsorship module in accordance with many embodiments of theinvention can be utilized to coordinate the activities of a sponsoredhybrid game such as (but not limited to) enabling a player of asponsored player profile to enter sponsored gameplay and allocatingsponsored play payout according to the terms of sponsorship accepted byboth the sponsor and the player. In numerous embodiments, a sponsorshipmodule maintains information related to the coordination of sponsoredgameplay, such as (but not limited to) player profiles that includeinformation concerning a player of a sponsored hybrid game, sponsorprofiles that include information concerning a possible sponsor ofsponsored hybrid game activities, sponsorship terms that dictate thenature of sponsorship between one or more sponsors and one or moreplayers. The sponsorship terms can describe any aspect of sponsoredgameplay capable of sponsorship such as the gameplay resources providedto a player and the allocation of the payout between one or moresponsors and one or more players resulting from the sponsored gameplayof a player once the sponsorship terms are accepted by both the playerand the sponsor. In many embodiments, an acceptance of sponsored termsis an affirmative acceptance that can be received from both sponsor andplayer. In certain embodiments, an acceptance of sponsored play termscan occur without an affirmative acceptance by either a player or asponsor, such as but not limited to where a player or a sponsor'sprofile is preprogrammed to accept particular sponsorship termsautomatically or when a player or sponsor is required to accept certainsponsor terms in exchange for interacting with the sponsored hybridgame.

In many embodiments, a sponsorship module can utilize a database tostore and retrieve information related to the coordination of sponsoredgameplay. This information can be stored and retrieved according tometadata associated with the information in the database. The databasecan be any form of relational database system or flat file databasesystem such as (but not limited to) a Structured Query Language (SQL)database or a SQLite database. In certain embodiments, a sponsorshipmodule can utilize a form of storage that is not a relational or flatfile database such as but not limited to a flat file. A flow chart of aprocess for storing and retrieving data in a database is illustrated inFIG. 5. The process 500 includes receiving (502) information. Once theinformation is received, it is stored (504) in the database using thesponsorship module. The sponsorship module can then query (506) thedatabase for the information utilizing metadata from which theinformation can be identified. Once the information is found from thequery (506), it can be retrieved (508) and utilized as appropriate tothe requirements of a specific application.

In numerous embodiments, a sponsorship module is constructed tocoordinate activities in a sponsored hybrid game that enables a playerof a sponsored player profile to enter sponsored gameplay. A flow chartof a process for enabling a player of a sponsored player profile toenter sponsored gameplay in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIG. 6. The process 600 includes accessing(602) a database of profiles.

In various embodiments, a database of sponsorable player profiles isaccessed. In certain embodiments, a sponsorship module can access adatabase of sponsorable player profiles that is generated by asponsorship module. In particular embodiments, a database of sponsorableplayer profiles is a database that is populated with sponsorable playerprofiles along with other information that need not be related tosponsorable player profiles such as but not limited to player profilesthat cannot be sponsored. A sponsorable player profile can be any playerprofile that indicates that a particular player can be sponsored and canbe explicit (such as information stored in the player profile thatindicates that the player is amenable to sponsorship) or implicit. Aplayer profile can include an implicit indication that the playerprofile is sponsorable such as but not limited to a player profiledesignated as amenable to sponsorship by default as no information isavailable in the player profile that indicates if the player is amenableto sponsorship or any player profile that does not include informationthat indicates that the player profile is not amenable to sponsorship.In certain embodiments, a sponsored hybrid game can regulate the typesof players that can receive sponsorship, such as but not limited topreventing a player associated with a player profile from receivingsponsorship, where the player profile indicates insufficient playhistory or in accordance with any other criterion appropriate to therequirements of a specific application.

In numerous embodiments, players can solicit sponsorship from sponsors.In several embodiments, solicitations can be facilitated by asponsorship module constructed to access a database of sponsor profiles.The sponsorship module can be used to indicate an interest in solicitingsponsorship terms from a sponsor associated with the sponsor profile. Inmany embodiments, the sponsorship module can be used to directly sendsponsorship terms to the sponsor profile. The sponsor can then indicateacceptance of the sponsorship terms for the player or return sponsorshipterms to the player profile for the player to accept.

In numerous embodiments, a sponsorship module can receive (604)sponsorship terms. The sponsorship terms can dictate the terms ofproposed sponsorship, such as but not limited to the gameplay resourcesprovided by the sponsor and the allocation of sponsored gameplayresource payout amongst the player and sponsor. The sponsorship termscan be generated from either a player associated with the player profileor a sponsor associated with a sponsor profile. These sponsorship termscan be sent to a player profile or a sponsor profile in a database ofprofiles for acceptance by the player or sponsor associated with aplayer profile or sponsor profile.

In many embodiments, a sponsorship module can determine an acceptance ofsponsorship terms (606). A determination of acceptance of sponsorshipterms can be made from an explicit acceptance (such as but not limitedto receiving a notification that the sponsorship terms have beenaccepted) or an implicit acceptance (such as but not limited toautomatically accepting sponsorship terms if they meet a certaincriteria). In many embodiments, an acceptance of sponsorship termsoccurs when all sponsor and all players affected by the sponsorshipterms accept the sponsorship terms. In some embodiments, the sponsorshipterms are accepted when less than all of the sponsors or all of theplayers affected by the sponsorship terms accept the sponsorship terms.

In several embodiments, a sponsorship module can enable (608) a playerof a sponsored profile associated with the sponsorship terms to entersponsored gameplay utilizing the gameplay resources provided by asponsor according to the sponsorship terms. A sponsorship module canenable sponsored gameplay by communicating with a GWE to allocatespecific gameplay resources as dictated by the sponsorship terms to theappropriate player profile from the appropriate sponsor profile. Aplayer associated with the player profile can then engage in sponsoredgameplay with the resources provided by the sponsor according to thesponsorship terms.

In numerous embodiments, a payout of gameplay resources can be allocatedamongst players and sponsors in accordance with the sponsorship termsagreed upon between the players and sponsors. In many embodiments, theallocation of the payout can occur at any time after the payout isearned from a player's play of a sponsored hybrid game including (butnot limited to) immediately after a payout of gameplay resources isearned, at times during sponsored gameplay, at the conclusion of asession of sponsored gameplay, at the conclusion of sponsored gameplayor sometime after sponsored gameplay. A flow chart of a process ofallocating a payout between a sponsor profile and a player profile inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 7.The process 700 includes receiving (702) notification of a sponsoredgameplay payout received by a sponsorship module from a GWE. In certainembodiments, the sponsorship module is implemented within the GWE wherethe sponsorship module communicates with various processes of a GWE. Thesponsorship terms are then consulted in order to properly determine theallocation of the gameplay resources earned from the sponsored gameplaypayout according to the sponsorship terms. Upon determining (704) theappropriate allocation of the gameplay resources, the sponsorship modulecommunicates with the GWE to credit (706) the player profiles and/orsponsor profiles with the payout of gameplay resources resulting fromsponsored gameplay in accordance with the sponsorship terms.

Although various constructions of a sponsorship module are discussedabove, sponsorship modules can be constructed in any manner asappropriate to the requirements of a specific application in accordancewith embodiments of the invention. Sponsorship terms that can beimplemented in sponsored hybrid games are discussed below.

Sponsorship Terms

Sponsorship terms in accordance with many embodiments of the inventioncan be made to affect any gameplay resources available to a player orsponsor. In many embodiments, sponsorship terms are generated by eithera player or sponsor and are accepted by both a player and sponsor. Incertain embodiments, sponsorship terms are presented without any inputfrom a player or sponsor, such as but not limited to when an operator ofa sponsored hybrid game charges a fee of an amount of gameplay resourcesfor usage of the sponsored hybrid game. In certain embodiments,sponsorship terms can include a sponsor contributing all of the RWCrequired to play a sponsored hybrid game. In particular embodiments, asponsor may contribute only a portion of the RWC necessary for a playerto play a hybrid game. In certain embodiments, a sponsor may pay anentry fee for a fee-based tournament implemented by a sponsored hybridgame based on chess, but the player would pay for the EE necessary forplay of the sponsored hybrid game. In various embodiments, more than onesponsor may contribute to the RWC necessary for a player to enter playof a sponsored hybrid game. This group of sponsors may be formed inadvance, or in an ad hoc fashion with contributions of gameplayresources that may or may not be equal.

In various embodiments, in addition to or instead of providing the RWCnecessary for play of a sponsored hybrid game, a sponsor may elect toprovide gameplay resources that provide other advantages to a playeraside from merely providing RWC. These gameplay resources may not benecessary for a player to participate in play of a sponsored hybridgame, but can change the results of the entertainment game, and thepayouts from the gambling game (such as but not limited to the number oftimes that a gambling game can be run during performance of anentertainment game). In certain embodiments where the entertainment gameis based on Madden Football™, a sponsor can provide a player access toresources such as new players, additional game time, better fieldconditions, or a number of other benefits to game play as part of thesponsorship terms. Sponsored gameplay can therefore alter the odds,frequency of wagers, amount wagered or a variety of other gambling gamefactors due to the gameplay resources provided by the sponsorship termsas compared with non-sponsored gameplay

In many embodiments, a sponsor can select sponsorship terms that providea specific gameplay resource or range of gameplay resources available tothe player that accepts the sponsorship terms. In certain embodimentswhere a sponsored hybrid game implements a football type ofentertainment game, the third party may choose to make a celebritycharacter, such as Lawrence Taylor available to a player in sponsoredgameplay, or instead may allow the player a choice of any Hall of Framefootball character in sponsored gameplay. Gameplay resources such as acharacter that can be utilized in an entertainment game may already beaccessible to a sponsor profile associated with a sponsor and availablefor permanent or temporary transfer as part of the sponsorship terms.

In numerous embodiments, sponsorship terms can include a sponsorcontributing gameplay resources that then enable a player to gain accessto other gameplay resources when combined with the player's own gameplayresources. In particular embodiments, a player can identify desiredsponsorship terms in order to gain access to certain gameplay resourcesand solicit acceptance of the desired sponsorship terms from possiblesponsors.

In various embodiments, a player can utilize gameplay resources providedin sponsored gameplay in any manner the player chooses in accordancewith the sponsorship terms. In certain embodiments with a football typeof entertainment game, a player may choose to utilize gameplay resourcesprovided in sponsored gameplay to change the field conditions to be moreadvantageous to the player's team, rather than to select a newcharacter.

In numerous embodiments, sponsorship terms can vary in accordance withthe type of entertainment game entered by a player in sponsoredgameplay. In certain embodiments, a player skilled in a racing game andless skilled in a shooting game can create sponsorship terms where theplayer will receive 30% of any payout from a racing type ofentertainment game. However, the player may also specify in thesponsorship terms the player will receive only 10% of any payout in ashooting type of entertainment game.

In many embodiments, sponsorship terms can dictate that a sponsor canrecover the entirety of the sponsor's initial contribution of gameplayresources before any other allocation of gameplay resources from apayout resulting from sponsored gameplay. In certain embodiments where atournament requires 10 credits of GWC to enter and another 100 creditsof GWC for EE in order to have meaningful gameplay, a sponsor mayprovide the 110 credits of GWC (or other appropriate amount) for theplayer as part of the sponsorship terms. The sponsorship terms can alsodictate that if the player then achieves a payout of 300 credits of GWC,the sponsor is reimbursed the 110 GWC credits before the remaining 190GWC credits are distributed between the sponsor and player. If theplayer achieved a payout of only 90 credits of GWC, then all 90 creditsof GWC would be credited to the sponsor. In this way, an initialadvanced sum of GWC is repaid prior to distribution of GWC surpluswinnings between the sponsor and the player.

In several embodiments, sponsorship terms can dictate that a player willreceive a flat percentage of a payout resulting from sponsored gameplay.In certain embodiments, sponsorship terms can dictate that a playerreceives a flat 10% of all winnings such that if the player wins 300credits of GWC, then the player would be allocated 30 credits of GWCfrom that payout resulting from the sponsored gameplay. Similarly, ifthe player wins 90 credits of GWC, the player would receive 9 credits ofGWC. In numerous embodiments, a range of calculations/algorithms can beused to allocate the gameplay resources earned from a payout in fixedproportions or on sliding or variable scales based upon a range ofvariables including (but not limited to) the amount of gameplayresources involved or player performance in sponsored gameplay. Inseveral embodiments, sponsorship terms may dictate the allocation ofgameplay resources from any kind of payout, including (but not limitedto) payouts of RWC from a gambling game or payouts of GWC or RWC fromonly base rounds and not bonus awards.

In various embodiments, sponsorship terms may not include an allocationof gameplay resources that result from sponsored gameplay to either aplayer or a sponsor. In certain embodiments, players may be interestedin participating in only playing a hybrid game rather than in any payoutthat can result from play of a hybrid game. For certain players, playingan entertainment game of a sponsored hybrid game may be consideredvaluable in itself without any need of being allocated a payout of RWCor GWC. Therefore, a sponsor may provide the gameplay resources allowinga player to participate, but any RWC payout that results from thatsponsored gameplay would be allocated to the sponsor. Similarly, aplayer may generate or accept sponsorship terms where the player wouldonly receive the GWC resulting from sponsored gameplay, while all thepayouts of RWC are allocated to the sponsor. Indeed, any of a variety ofsponsorship terms can be adopted by a sponsor and a player via asponsorship module involving any allocation of GWC and/or RWCappropriate to the context of a specific application.

In many embodiments, sponsor terms may dictate that a player receive aflat amount of gameplay resources from a sponsor irrespective of thepayout of gameplay resources resulting from the sponsored gameplay.

Although various sponsorship terms that can be implemented by ruleswithin a sponsorship module are discussed above, sponsorship modules canbe constructed in any manner appropriate to the requirements of aspecific application in accordance with embodiments of the invention.Processing apparatuses that can be used to implement a sponsored hybridgame are discussed below.

Processing Apparatus

Any of a variety of processing apparatuses can host various componentsof a sponsored hybrid game in accordance with embodiments of theinvention. In several embodiments, these processing apparatuses caninclude, but are not limited to, a gaming machine, a general purposecomputer, a computing device and/or a controller. A processing apparatusthat is constructed to implement a sponsored hybrid game in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 8. In theprocessing apparatus 800, a processor 804 is coupled to a memory 806 bya bus 828. The processor 804 is also coupled to non-transitoryprocessor-readable storage media, such as a storage device 808 thatstores processor-executable instructions 812 and data 810 through thesystem bus 828 to an I/O bus 826 through a storage controller 818. Theprocessor 804 is also coupled to one or more interfaces that may be usedto connect the processor to other processing apparatuses as well asnetworks as described herein. The processor 804 is also coupled via thebus to user input devices 814, such as tactile devices including but notlimited to keyboards, keypads, foot pads, touch screens, and/ortrackballs, as well as non-contact devices such as audio input devices,motion sensors and motion capture devices that the processing apparatusmay use to receive inputs from a user when the user interacts with theprocessing apparatus. The processor 804 is connected to these user inputdevices 814 through the system bus 828, to the I/O bus 826 and throughthe input controller 820. The processor 804 is also coupled via the busto user output devices 816 such as (but not limited to) visual outputdevices, audio output devices, and/or tactile output devices that theprocessing apparatus uses to generate outputs perceivable by the userwhen the user interacts with the processing apparatus. In severalembodiments, the processor is coupled to visual output devices such as(but not limited to) display screens, light panels, and/or lighteddisplays. In a number of embodiments, the processor is coupled to audiooutput devices such as (but not limited to) speakers, and/or soundamplifiers. In many embodiments, the processor is coupled to tactileoutput devices like vibrators, and/or manipulators. The processor isconnected to output devices from the system bus 828 to the I/O bus 826and through the output controller 822. The processor 804 can also beconnected to a communications interface 802 from the system bus 828 tothe I/O bus 826 through a communications controller 824.

In various embodiments, a processor loads the instructions and the datafrom the storage device into the memory and executes the instructionsand operates on the data to implement the various aspects and featuresof the components of a gaming system as described herein. The processoruses the user input devices and the user output devices in accordancewith the instructions and the data in order to create and operate userinterfaces for players, casino operators, and/or owners as describedherein.

Although the processing apparatus is described herein as beingconstructed from a processor and instructions stored and executed byhardware components, the processing apparatus can be composed of onlyhardware components in accordance with many embodiments. In addition,although the storage device is described as being coupled to theprocessor through a bus, those skilled in the art of processingapparatuses will understand that the storage device can includeremovable media such as but not limited to a USB memory device, anoptical CD ROM, magnetic media such as tape and disks. Also, the storagedevice can be accessed through one of the interfaces or over a network.Furthermore, any of the user input devices or user output devices can becoupled to the processor via one of the interfaces or over a network. Inaddition, although a single processor is described, those skilled in theart will understand that the processor can be a controller or othercomputing device or a separate computer as well as be composed ofmultiple processors or computing devices.

In numerous embodiments, any of an RWE, GWE or ESE as described hereincan be implemented on multiple processing apparatuses, whetherdedicated, shared or distributed in any combination thereof, or may beimplemented on a single processing apparatus. In addition, while certainaspects and features of element management processes described hereinhave been attributed to an RWE, GWE, or ESE, these aspects and featuresmay be implemented in a hybrid form where any of the features or aspectsmay be performed by any of a RWE, GWE, ESE within a sponsored hybridgame without deviating from the spirit of the invention.

While the above description contains many specific embodiments of theinvention, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope ofthe invention, but rather as an example of one embodiment thereof. It istherefore to be understood that the present invention may be practicedotherwise than specifically described, without departing from the scopeand spirit of the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the presentinvention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sponsored hybrid game, comprising: a real worldengine constructed to provide a randomly generated payout of real worldcredits from a wager in a gambling game; an entertainment softwareengine constructed to execute an entertainment game providing outcomesupon a player's skillful execution of the entertainment game to earn apayout of game world credits; and a game world engine constructed tomanage the entertainment software engine and communicate gameplaygambling event occurrences based upon the player's skillful execution ofthe entertainment game that trigger the wager in the gambling game tothe gambling game, wherein the game world engine integrates asponsorship module constructed to access a database containing a playerprofile and a sponsor profile, and the sponsorship module is constructedto: receive sponsorship terms involving allocation of gameplay resourcesduring sponsored gameplay of the sponsored hybrid game between theplayer profile and the sponsor profile, wherein the gameplay resourcesare elements that are of limited quantity and the consumption of whichduring play of the entertainment game triggers a wager in a gamblinggame; allocate gameplay resources associated with the sponsor profile tothe player profile based on the sponsorship terms for use in sponsoredgameplay; and allocate gameplay resources resulting from a payout ofgameplay resources during the sponsored gameplay using the sponsorshipterms.
 2. The sponsored hybrid game of claim 1, wherein the sponsorshipmodule is further constructed to allocate gameplay resources resultingfrom a payout of real world credit during the sponsored gameplay byallocating at least a portion of the gameplay resources to at the playerprofile based on the sponsorship terms.
 3. The sponsored hybrid game ofclaim 1, wherein the sponsorship module is further constructed toallocate gameplay resources resulting from a payout of real world creditduring the sponsored gameplay by allocating at least a portion of thegameplay resources to at least one sponsor profile based on thesponsorship terms.
 4. The sponsored hybrid game of claim 1, wherein thesponsorship module is further constructed to allocate gameplay resourcesresulting from a real world credit during the sponsored gameplay byallocating at least a portion of the gameplay resources to a profileassociated with an operator that hosts the sponsored hybrid game basedon the sponsorship terms.
 5. The sponsored hybrid game of claim 1,wherein the sponsorship module is constructed to execute on asponsorship server and communicate with the game world engine via anetwork.
 6. The sponsored hybrid game of claim 1, wherein the gameplayresources are selected from the group consisting of real world creditsand game world credits.
 7. The sponsored hybrid game of claim 1, whereinthe gameplay resources are elements that are not restorable duringentertainment gameplay.
 8. The sponsored hybrid game of claim 1, whereinsponsorship terms are generated using a non-player interface constructedto present information associated with a sponsor profile and received bythe sponsorship module.
 9. The sponsored hybrid game of claim 1, whereinthe sponsorship terms require acceptance prior to commencing thesponsored gameplay by receiving an indication of the acceptance of thesponsorship terms from at least one player profile and at least onesponsor profile.
 10. A method of operating a sponsored hybrid game, themethod comprising: receiving sponsorship terms involving allocation ofgameplay resources during sponsored gameplay of the sponsored hybridgame between at least one player profile and at least one sponsorprofile using a sponsorship module that is utilized by a game worldengine, wherein the gameplay resources are elements that are of limitedquantity and the consumption of which during play of the entertainmentgame triggers a wager in a gambling game; the sponsorship module isconstructed to access a database containing at least one player profileand at least one sponsor profile; and the game world engine isconstructed to communicate gameplay gambling event occurrences basedupon a player's skillful execution of an entertainment game to earn apayout of game world credits as detected by an entertainment softwareengine that triggers at least one wager in a gambling game to thegambling game comprising a real world engine constructed to provide atleast one wager as a randomly generated payout of real world credits forthe gambling game; allocating gameplay resources associated with atleast one sponsor profile to at least one player profile based on thesponsorship terms for use in sponsored gameplay using the sponsorshipmodule; and allocating gameplay resources resulting from a payout ofgameplay resources during the sponsored gameplay according to thesponsorship terms using the sponsorship module.
 11. The method of claim10, wherein the sponsorship module is further constructed to allocategameplay resources resulting from a payout of gameplay resources duringthe sponsored gameplay by allocating at least a portion of the gameplayresources to at least one player profile based on the sponsorship terms.12. The method of claim 10, wherein the sponsorship module is furtherconstructed to allocate gameplay resources resulting from a payout ofgameplay resources during the sponsored gameplay by allocating at leasta portion of the gameplay resources to at least one sponsor profilebased on the sponsorship terms.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein thesponsorship module is further constructed to allocate gameplay resourcesresulting from a payout of gameplay resources during the sponsoredgameplay by allocating at least a portion of the gameplay resources to aprofile associated with an operator that hosts the sponsored hybrid gamebased on the sponsorship terms.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein thesponsorship module is constructed to execute on a sponsorship server andcommunicate with the game world engine via a network.
 15. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the gameplay resources are selected from the groupconsisting of real world credits and game world credits.
 16. The methodof claim 10, wherein sponsorship terms are generated using a non-playerinterface constructed to present information associated with a sponsorprofile and received by the sponsorship module.
 17. The method of claim10, wherein the sponsorship terms require acceptance prior to commencingthe sponsored gameplay by receiving an indication of the acceptance ofthe sponsorship terms from at least one player profile and at least onesponsor profile.
 18. A machine readable medium containing processorinstructions, where execution of the instructions by a processor causesthe processor to perform a process comprising: receiving sponsorshipterms involving allocation of gameplay resources during sponsoredgameplay of a sponsored hybrid game between at least one player profileand at least one sponsor profile using a sponsorship module that isutilized by a game world engine, wherein the gameplay resources areelements that are of limited quantity and the consumption of whichduring play of the entertainment game triggers a wager in a gamblinggame; the sponsorship module is constructed to access a databasecontaining at least one player profile and at least one sponsor profile;and the game world engine is constructed to communicate gameplaygambling event occurrences based upon a player's skillful execution ofan entertainment game to earn a payout of game world credits as detectedby an entertainment software engine that triggers at least one wager ina gambling game to the gambling game comprising a real world engineconstructed to provide at least one wager as a randomly generated payoutof real world credits for the gambling game; allocating gameplayresources associated with at least one sponsor profile to at least oneplayer profile based on the sponsorship terms for use in sponsoredgameplay using the sponsorship module; and allocating gameplay resourcesresulting from a payout of gameplay resources during the sponsoredgameplay according to the sponsorship terms using the sponsorshipmodule.